TCL’s new Android tablets have paper-like displays that could double up as giant e-readers

TCL NxtPaper 14 Pro and TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper 5G on colored TR background
(Image credit: TCL)

The newly revealed TCL NxtPaper 14 Pro and TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper 5G could set the standard for future Android tablets when it comes to reducing eye-strain and mimicking paper. 

Showcased at CES 2024, these new tablets feature TCL's NxtPaper 3.0 display technology that makes the displays more akin to electronic ink variants – think the Amazon Kindle with its E Ink display – rather than bright and glossy LCD and OLED displays. 

As such, while the displays on the NxtPaper 14 Pro and Tab 10 NxtPaper 5G can provide the full-color benefits of LCD panels, they also tap into TCL's Circularly Polarized Light (CPL) screen tech that mimics the emissions, reflection and refraction of natural light to provide a visual experience that's like reading a book under natural light. This can lead to a more natural reading experience and thus better eye comfort by minimizing eye strain and fatigue.

Unsurprisingly, reducing eye strain and improving eye comfort is a good thing. IN general, prolonged use of screens on tablets and phones is believed to be a main cause of eye strain and headaches, so more devices are providing blue light filters, night modes, and TÜV Rheinland eye comfort certification to attempt to combat this. But NxtPaper might be a stand-out solution to such problems when it comes to tablets.

How NxtPaper displays work

Released back in 2021 TCL’s Nxtpaper displays typically feature multiple layers to help filter out blue light and reduce eye strain. TCL claims it filters up to 61% of harmful blue light without adversely affecting image quality, however, seeing is believing.

As mentioned earlier, a new addition to the NxtPaper 3.0 is the inclusion of Circularly Polarized Light screens. These create a much more natural reading experience by simulating the emission, reflection, and refraction path of natural light, while further reductions of flickering have been added to the tablets' DC Dimming technology, helping simulate a more natural reading experience and put less stress on a user's eyes.

The TCL’s latest software also supports eyecare by providing reminders to take breaks for the screen or to use brighter lighting conditions.

TCL NxtPaper 14 Pro and TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper 5G specs

The TCL NxtPaper 14 Pro appears to be a performance-focused device out of the two using a 14-inch, IPS LCD NxtPaper 3.0 display with a 120Hz refresh rate. 

It will also feature a NxtPaper button to allow users to quickly change between monochrome, reduced colors, and full-color modes which could be handy by prolonging both battery and screen time.

The NxtPaper14 Pro will be powered by the slightly older MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chip and features 12GB of RAM, supported by 256GB of storage. Keeping all this ticking along is a 12,000mAh battery with support for 33W wired charging.

Meanwhile, the TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper 5G will sport a 10.4 LCD, with a 2K resolution NxtPaper 3.0 display. The chip is believed to have an octo-core CPU, but further details are not yet known. Backing up the chipset is 6GB RAM and 128GB of storage as well as a 6,000mAh battery.

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but you can expect the TCL NxtPaper 14 Pro to be the more expensive of the two.

The NxtPaper 3.0 technology will also be included in the TCL 40 Nxtpaper smartphone and could become rolled out among TCL's next fleet of phones in the future.

It will interesting to see the quality of these screens up close to see how responsive and how detailed the new displays are, as this was something that the older TCL Nxtpaper 10 was noticeably weaker on and something such displays have traditionally struggled with in the past.

We’re covering all of the latest CES news from the show as it happens. Stick with us for the big stories on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok for the latest from the CES show floor! 

You might also like

TOPICS
Staff Writer, Mobile Computing

James Ide was a writer for TechRadar specializing in phones and tablets, having previously worked at The Daily Mirror since 2016, covering news and reviews.  

James loves messing with the latest tech, especially phones due to their incredibly rapid pace of development.

When not surrounded by various devices and/or tinkering with gadgets while putting them through their paces, James has a love of handheld consoles.

He is almost the textbook definition of a geek, who loves sci-fi, comics, games and of course, all things tech. If you think you have a story for him or just want to challenge him at Smash Bros, get in touch. 

Read more
TCL 60XE NXTpaper 5G Android smartphone
The TCL 60XE switches from color to grayscale in an instant – and it's the coolest thing I saw at CES
TCL 60XE NXTpaper 5G
TCL's ultra-affordable 60XE uses NXTpaper to potentially break all kinds of battery life records
Hello from the XPPen Magic Note Pad
The XPPen Magic Note Pad is the drawing tablet-maker's first digital writing tablet and after just two weeks, I can't do without it
The RayNeo Air 3 glasses on a stand at CES
TCL has 3 new smart glasses which are all in the running for the best of 2025 already
The Hisense 116UX on display at CES 2025
I saw Hisense's RGB mini-LED TV, and this vividly colorful set is the future of TV
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Samsung shows off a creaseless folding phone display – and it improves on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 design in 3 key ways
Latest in Tablets
Google Pixel Tablet in hazel on green background with don't miss sign
The Google Pixel Tablet just dropped back to its lowest-ever Black Friday price
The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro on a bronze table
I tested the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro and it's the closest Android fans can get to an iPad Pro alternative
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus on a desk showing the rear of the device from above
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE could be a powerful iPad Air rival, based on the latest specs rumors
Hello from the XPPen Magic Note Pad
The XPPen Magic Note Pad is the drawing tablet-maker's first digital writing tablet and after just two weeks, I can't do without it
MacBook Air M4
Apple's rumored foldable iPad tipped to launch sooner than expected with an exciting software twist
iPad Air M3 11-inch and 13-inch on an orange background next to TechRadar deals price cut badge
Wait, what? The brand-new iPad Air just launched and it's already on sale on Amazon
Latest in News
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
Samsung's rumored smart specs may be launching before the end of 2025
Apple iPhone 16 Review
The latest iPhone 18 leak hints at a major chipset upgrade for all four models
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #1155)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #386)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #652)
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #1154)